The Labour Party in Nasarawa State has officially selected Jonathan Gaza, the House of Representatives member representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 general election.

The decision was announced on Saturday during a special nomination congress held in Lafia, the state capital, by the party’s Returning Officer, Dr. Kalu Ekeh.

Ekeh said Gaza emerged after a competitive process in which he was duly certified and affirmed by a majority of delegates in line with the Labour Party Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and the party’s 2026 Electoral Guidelines.

“Accordingly, having satisfied all constitutional and procedural requirements, Hon. Jonathan Gaza is hereby declared the winner and duly returned elected as the Labour Party governorship candidate for Nasarawa State,” he said.

He added that Gaza’s Certificate of Return would be presented at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja in the coming week.

In the same exercise, former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, was affirmed as the Labour Party candidate for the Nasarawa North senatorial seat.

Maku reportedly ran unopposed and was declared winner after meeting all constitutional and procedural requirements. He is expected to contest both the June 20, 2026 senatorial by-election—following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki—and the 2027 senatorial election.

Speaking after his emergence, Gaza pledged to deliver transformative leadership and end what he described as “business as usual” governance in the state.

“By God’s special grace, we are going to win our election, we are going to rule Nasarawa State, and we are going to make Nasarawa State much better,” he said.

He described his candidacy as a “social contract” with the people, promising to harness the state’s human and natural resources for development.

“That which God has kept for the people of Nasarawa State, human, natural resources, amongst so many other things, as a team, we will put our heads together, and with the guidance of the Almighty God, we will give Nasarawa State a vibrant position where God has destined it to be,” he added.

Gaza also urged supporters to campaign peacefully and mobilize voters for the Labour Party across all elections.

“At the right time, let us come out, campaign, vote, and elect the Labour Party for the liberation and transformation of Nasarawa State,” he said.

The Returning Officer also issued Certificates of Return to other Labour Party candidates contesting Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly seats across the state’s three senatorial districts and 13 local government areas.